Two newcomers vie for leadership of Oglala Sioux Tribe

Thursday, October 11, 2018

It’s Zephier vs. Bear Runner

General Election will be on Nov. 6
By Ernestine Chasing Hawk
Native Sun News Staff Writer
nativesunnews.today

PINE RIDGE – The two candidates that will vie for Presidency of one of the largest tribes in the nation, the Oglala Sioux Tribe, come from opposite ends of the spectrum. However they are new faces on the horizon, faces that have emerged with a promise, a better tomorrow for some of the Nation’s poorest people.

Julian Bear Runner, the youngest of seven candidates, came out on top leading with 772 votes followed by Dr. Richard L. Zephier with 572 votes.

Bear Runner would like to see honor and tradition restored to the office of presidency having experienced corruption at the highest level when as a compliance technician he sought to have one of the council members drug tested.

As a young man, Bear Runner lifted himself up from the harsh realities of reservation life by working to support himself and five siblings. At 25 he joined the Army, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan gaining real world experience.

Zephier brings to the table his expertise in program management and sees streamlining the financial system of the tribe as a solution to an often cumbersome process.

Zephier grew up in an era when tribes first wrestled with the Indian Reorganization Act and witnessed the evolution of current tribal governments and offers long term solutions.

However both candidates agree on one thing, change must take place.